Westside United Travel - About Us

 

Our fabulous presentation of products and services, our positive, smiling, amazing staff and our light, spacious Office make for a truly magnificent Travel purchase experience.

 

Meet the team

 

Christiane Simmers

Hi, I'm Christiane Simmers. I am the owner of Westside United Travel. I am married to Mike, a country boy from Southland and we have three children – Oskar, Luka and Saskia. I am originally from Germany but my country of choice is definitely New Zealand. When I'm not working, I love watching the kids play sport, pottering around in the garden or working on our 450 acre sheep and beef farm on the Banks Peninsula. As long as I can think back I’ve had a real passion for travelling. I have visited 54 countries so far, many of them in Europe, North, Central and South America, Africa and Asia. However, considering that there are 196 countries in total I should be through with my bucket list by 2080!

 

I love talking travel with my clients whether it is about their dreams and plans or about their travel experiences, in particular when it involves trips to Europe and Central/South America!

 

 

Kris McNeill

Hi, my name is Kris McNeill and I am a Senior Travel Consultant at Westside United Travel. I am married to a lovely girl form Canada and we have two fantastic children. My family has always supported me in my quest to turn a hobby in travel into a career.

 

Prior to moving into life as a travel consultant I spent 5 years working on board cruise ships throughout the world including the Caribbean, Baltic, Norway, Mediterranean, South America, Alaska, Baja Coast, The Middle East and Northern Africa.

Outside my time on the ships I have also travelled to Estonia, Latvia, Canada, The United States, Fiji and Australia.

 

I love the opportunity of passing on my in depth cruising knowledge and travel experience to my clients at Westside. Outside of travel I like to spend time with my family either just relaxing or working around the home.

 

 

Tomasa Demarchi

Hi, I am Tomasa Demarchi. Originally I come from Italy , and after living in the UK for 8 years, fate brought me to New Zealand, which I now call home. I love Christchurch, and I love travelling - talking about it, researching it and planning it, just as much.

 

I have spent a lot of time travelling throughout Europe and North America in the past, and most recently my travel experiences have evolved to a resort style, children oriented vacation with my daughter Alessandra. I have been back to Italy nearly twice a year for the past 10 years, trying to stop in a different place every time – my daughter has yet to realize how lucky she is!

 

I love to plan travel both for myself and for my clients, and especially look for that little extra touch to make the trip truly memorable!

 

 

Ray Thomas - Travel Broker

Hi, I'm Ray Thomas and I have been involved in the travel industry for 36 years as a Consultant, Travel Manager and Owner Operator of 2 Travel Agencies. I am now a Mobile Travel Broker, living in Lincoln, servicing the Canterbury District for Westside United Travel. I enjoy meeting clients at their home - after hours and discussing their travel requirements in the privacy of a relaxed environment - I know how difficult it can be sometimes getting into an agency to plan your trip. I have extensive knowledge and experience, having travelled throughout Europe (including Russia), Canada, USA, South Africa, South America, the South Pacific, Australia and Asia, either independently or coach touring as well as cruising.

 

I would be happy to pass this knowledge on to you to help make your holiday more enjoyable. I have excellent client referrals and my speciality in dealing with groups is backed by many letters of recommendation.

 

 

Garry Waterreus - Travel Broker

Hi, I'm Garry Waterreus. I have enjoyed over 35 years in the travel industry and owned my own Travel Agency in central Christchurch for 26 years. Now 'semi-retired' I have been travelling frequently. I'm told that I have a charming friendly manner (my wife Lin would probably agree with that too!) and I have loads of experience to help make the difference for people who enjoy travelling.

 

I offer Travel Broker service for a small group of clients, most of whom I have worked with for many years.

 

 

Our Admin Gem:

Roz Brittenden

 

Hi, I am 'the back office' at Westside United Travel and have worked here longer than I dare to remember.

 

I am in charge of keeping the business on the straight and narrow and in the black. I'm a busy grandmother too and currently rebuilding my house after the Febrary earthquake.

 

We hope that Roz and husband Richard don't decide to retire soon as we'd miss her terribly!

 

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